Natalia Cruz

Natalia “Naty” Chavarría Cruz, 74, of Abilene, Texas entered Heaven’s gates on January 21, 2020, with family by her side.

She was born in Cuidad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico on May 24, 1945.

Naty married Benerando Cruz Coronado and they both decided to embark on a new journey and settled their family in Abilene, Texas. She was a loving mother and homemaker, Naty was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, most especially over the holidays. For many years leading up to her passing, she was very active in her church community via, St. Francis Catholic Church. At church she participated in many activities such as teaching religious education classes, organizing the annual Jamaica, provided communion for the sick, cooking for Sunday breakfast and most importantly being part of the Guadalupana Society. She loved being a part of the Guadalupana Society, the society promoted the spiritual well being of both men and women, of all nationalities and cultures by the way of prayer, evangelization, and by practicing charity through apostolic work. Naty was a devout Catholic. Naty was involved with St. Francis Catholic Church for many years and touched many lives through her warmth and loving hugs.  She will be dearly missed by those in her church community. There is no doubt that Naty was prepared for whenever the Lord called her home. Her smile, her laughter, and her beautiful personality will be greatly missed by so many, but most especially, by her family.

Besides going to church she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loving friend.

Naty is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Benerando Cruz Coronado. Her children, Benny Cruz, Javier Cruz, Linda Anderson, and her husband Francisco, Luis Cruz and his wife Shelly, Criselda (Chela) Cruz, and her youngest son Alex Cruz. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Herlinda Sanchez (Anderson), Karina Tyler (Anderson), Karissa Gunderson, Ismael Cruz, Alexis Cruz, Andrew Cruz, Richard Badillo Jr., and Ryan Cruz. Five great-grandchildren, Natalia Sanchez (named after her specifically), Liam Sanchez, Kaden Tyler, Derek Valadez, and Gabriella Cruz. Siblings, Anna-Maria Castillo (Chavarria), Ricardo Chavarría, Lupe Chavarria, Luis Chavarría, and Juan Chavarría.

Naty was predeceased by her loving parents, Cecilio Chavarría, father, and her mother, Guadalupe Chavarría Ozuna. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Cecilio Chavarría and Arturo Chavarría.

The family thanks everyone who loved Naty and was part of her life. There are not enough words to express how much she was loved by each and every one of you.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. A mass will held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 24, 2020 at St. Francis Catholic Church, 826 Cottonwood, Abilene, Texas 79601. Burial will follow at Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5750 US Highway 277 S, Abilene, TX 79606